- Brazil sacked coach Dorival Junior after a 4-1 loss to Argentina.
- The team struggles in World Cup qualifiers, sitting fourth in standings.
- Ancelotti and Jorge Jesus are top contenders to replace him.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has dismissed Dorival Junior as the head coach of the national team, just days after Brazil’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The decision was announced on Friday, March 28, with the CBF expressing gratitude for his service while wishing him success in his future endeavors.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Dorival, who took charge in January 2024, struggled to deliver consistent performances, raising concerns over Brazil’s qualification hopes. Currently, Brazil sits in fourth place in the South American qualifiers, trailing Argentina by 10 points and also behind Ecuador and Uruguay.
With only six automatic qualification spots available, the pressure is mounting on the five-time world champions.
The team faces crucial qualifiers against Ecuador on June 4 and Paraguay on June 9, which could determine their World Cup fate. Following the defeat in Buenos Aires, Dorival took full responsibility for the team’s poor showing, stating, “Nobody expected what we saw today, and the responsibility is entirely mine.”
Before leading the national team, Dorival enjoyed club-level success with Flamengo and São Paulo. His appointment initially followed months of speculation about Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who was rumored to be the CBF’s preferred candidate.
With Dorival’s exit, Ancelotti has once again emerged as a strong contender for the role. Other potential candidates include Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, currently managing Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The CBF is expected to make a decision soon as Brazil seeks a turnaround in its World Cup campaign.
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